Getting a routine cleaning? Here’s what to expect and how to prepare. Generally, a routine dental cleaning takes around 30 minutes. Because the professional cleaning helps get rid of tartar, dental hygienists may use a variety of dental instruments: dental mirrors, dental scalers, ultrasonic scalers, saliva electors, and air-water syringes. And hopefully, you’re just as excited by the smooth plaque- free feeling when you glide your tongue over your teeth as your Smile Generation-trusted dentist is.

First things first, your dental hygienist will examine your mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral problems. Don’t be alarmed if they ask questions about your overall health – certain health conditions and medications may affect your dental cleaning.

Your dental hygienist will use teeth cleaning instruments to remove plaque and tartar. First, they’ll scrape the surfaces of your teeth with small, metal tools. They’ll also clean between your teeth and around your gum line. The more plaque and tartar you have, the longer this step will take. Some people find this step of the routine cleaning uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful.

After plaque and tartar removal, your dental hygienist will floss your teeth. They’ll clean between your teeth and along your gum line. This professional flossing session helps remove any leftover plaque.

Polishing is a cosmetic procedure that your dental hygienist may perform. The deep clean involves a gritty paste and electric tooth polishing brush. Be excited for the shiny, smooth-gliding feeling.

The final step: a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities. It may be applied by either a mouth rinse or varnished onto your teeth.

Your oral health doesn’t stop in the dentist chair. To ensure a healthier, happier smile your dental hygienist may provide at-home oral care tips

A dental mirror is a small, round mirror that helps your dental hygienist get a clear view of tartar build up in hard-to-see parts of your mouth

Dental scalers are a metal tool with sharp, curved blades used to scrape plaque and tartar from the teeth.

Ultrasonic scalers, also called Cavitron machines, are powered dental instruments that use ultrasound to break up and remove tartar – usually accompanied by a jet of water to wash away debris.

A saliva ejector is a straw-like suction tube used to remove excess saliva and other unwanted liquids.

A dental air/water syringe is a device that delivers a stream of water, air, or a combination of both. This tool is used to rinse away debris and dry a tooth.